Green light for Marina Market planning permission

CITY planners have given the green light for retention planning permission for the Marina Market in a decision described as “a testament to common sense”.

The market, located off Kennedy Quay and Centre Park Rd, has drawn tens of thousands of visitors since it was established in 2020.

However, a decision on its future had been hanging in the balance after city planners requested further information before deciding on an application for retention planning permission for the development.

In May, a fresh planning application was lodged with Cork City Council by R Properties Cork Limited, seeking permission to maintain its use of the former Southern Fruits Distribution Company warehouse as a market/food emporium for a period of five years.

Yesterday, Cork City Council confirmed that it had granted retention permission for the Marina Market.

It is understood the popular market in the Docklands area will undergo a substantial investment now that planning permission has been secured.

Importance of working with planning authority 

Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Kieran McCarthy warmly welcomed the decision but highlighted the importance of working closely with the planning authority.

“I’m delighted that people sat down and went through the issues with the planning and that those have been ironed out,” he said.

The Lord Mayor said that it is important that people are aware of the planning system.

“The main issue is that it didn’t have planning,” he said.

“It had woven its way into the hearts of Corkonians, but when it came to the black-and-white print, it needed to be sorted out, so I am glad that it is sorted.

“But the message is to make sure you work with the planning authority as closely as possible, especially if you’ve got a project that’s important for the city such as the Marina Market.”

Part of fabric of city 

Fine Gael councillor Deirdre Forde described the decision as “a testament to common sense”, adding: “I’d like to see many more places where people can meet, greet, eat, and relax and enjoy company around Cork, because it’s obviously loved by many people.”

The Cork City South East councillor said that the market is part of the fabric of the city and adds to its rich tapestry, along with The English Market and the Victorian Quarter.

Fianna Fáil councillor Terry Shannon described the market as a venue which has proven “very innovative and very popular” and has added value to the community city-wide.

“It has become a very popular place in the city for people of all ages to recreate and have meetings,” he said.

“It has a unique ambience, and it’s part of the rejuvenation of the docklands in that it’s a precursor to the type of development and activity we can have in docklands, and I think it certainly bodes well for the future in that sense.”

Fine Gael councillor Des Cahill said the Marina Market’s popularity is a testament to its need and said he was “delighted” at the decision to grant permission.

Sinn Féin TD Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire described the decision as “a huge relief” and said the door has now been opened to a bright new chapter for the venue.

A spokesperson for Marina Market thanked all involved in the process, particularly Cork City Council, which the spokesperson said showed “exceptional vision and were thorough and fair to all concerned at all times”.

“But most of all, we have to thank the people of Cork for taking us to their hearts and making the Marina Market the success it is and will continue to be in the years ahead,” said the spokesperson.

Cork City Council said there will now be a four-week appeal period during which the applicant or a third party may appeal the decision or any of the conditions of the decision to An Bord Pleanála.